Southern California -- this just in

Protesters gather near House of Blues for Obama fundraiser

Up to 200 protesters were waiting for President Obama across from the House of Blues on Monday afternoon, shouting slogans and waving placards on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood.

The protesters were representing a number of causes including pro-immigration, antiwar and for preserving Social Security and Medicare benefits, said Steve Whitmore, spokesman for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Some of the signs read "U.S.-NATO Out of Afghanistan," "Be a Man, Not a Mouse" and "Hands Off Social Security."

Whitmore said deputies were monitoring the demonstration, which he described as peaceful.

Obama was planning to attend a fundraising event at the House of Blues, as well as the Fig & Rose restaurant on Melrose Place near North La Cienega Boulevard.

Law enforcement officials have said a "hard closure" will remain in effect on San Vicente Boulevard, which will be closed between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue from 6 a.m. Monday to noon Tuesday.

Other streets will be closed depending on the route taken by Obama. These include: Sunset Boulevard from Doheny Drive to Sweetzer Avenue, Santa Monica Boulevard from Doheny to La Cienega Boulevard and La Cienega from Sunset to Rosewood Avenue.

Motorists hoping for shortcuts will be disappointed. Shutdowns will be in effect on Olive Drive from Sunset to Santa Monica Boulevard, on Holloway Drive from Sunset to La Cienega, on Fountain Avenue from La Cienega to Sweetzer Avenue, and on De Longpre Avenue from Fountain Avenue to Flores Street.